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Glanleam House & Subtropical Garden

Experiencing this garden is like straying into a benign jungle where the most exotic of plants rule in wild profusion. And if ever there was a place to give a sense of other worldliness it is Glanleam. The 40 acre site on an east facing bay on Valentia Island was created in the 19th century by the 19th Knight of Kerry, with plants sent back by plantcollectors from all over the world,particularly Australasia.

Much of the collection and itsdescendants survive, spreading andgrowing to enormous proportions inthe warming breath of the GulfStream, proving the point that thingsgrow faster in Ireland than atanywhere else at this latitude. Paths
wiggle through luxuriant growth pastcordylines, bamboo forests,Beschorneria yuccoides, groves oftree ferns, embothrium and myrtles(including the variant Luma apiculata‘Glanleam Gold’ with cream bordered leaves which originated in the garden.)

Ferns, much collected by Victorians,are a particular feature and includespecies like the chain fern and theKillarney fern.

The garden is long and narrow in shape with paths winding back and forth between different features and prospects. There is an upper walk through thickets of camellias, a sea walk edged with bluebells and primulas, and a gunnera walk near the house. Streams and water features throughout the garden add to the interest. Restoration work is ongoing by current owners Meta and Jessica Kressig and, while storm damage which uprooted scores of trees posed challenges, it has also opened up new areas and opportunities.

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Directions

From Ring of Kerry, take car ferry (Caherciveen) or road bridge (near Portmagee) to Valentia Island. On the island, take the road for Knightstown: turn left in village; Glanleam is signposted on the right.